Latest Highlights:

5 Apr: 6 Sand Martins through Alfreton and a Swallow at Baslow

Want to submit more than a few records? Click here

Weather:

Click here for weather radar

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• If you are not a member then please join, see above
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DOS News

Announcements

COVID-19 SAFETY

Although we should all stay at home (the DOS recommends that all birding trips should cease), we can still see birds in your garden or on your daily excercise trip. You are responsible for your own safety in line with Government advice.

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Red Kite Records

As you are aware, this species has a toe-hold in the county as a breeding species. To avoid any disturbance we will not be publishing and further Red Kite records until August unless from birds away from breeding areas. It is important that you can continue to submit all records so we can build an accurate picture for this species

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The 2019 - 2020 Meetings and Trips

Last updated: 18 March (Critical Update) here

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Willow Tit Survey

Conservation Corner: Second and final year of the Willow Tit survey. The RSPB and Rare Breeding Birds Panel national Willow Tit survey finishes in 2020. In 2019, we achieved surveys of 47 tetrads. We need 92 to enable a county-specific assessment of the status of Willow Tits, so we are just over half way. The survey involves two visits to each tetrad between mid-February and mid-April and using playback of Willow Tit calls to assess presence or absence. A recording of the calls is available from me to play on a smart phone or MP3 player, and I will also be able to provide maps of your tetrads nearer the time. We may also be able to lone out equipment to play the calls if you need it. Tetrads that are blacked out have either already been surveyed or are allocated for surveying in 2020.
A list of the 2019 tetrads is here together with the survey methodology here. A tetrad is a 2km x 2km square and the website gives the bottom left 1km square for each tetrad. For example SK3222 includes squares SK3222, SK3223, SK3322 and SK3323. If you are able to cover any of the tetrads listed, then please contact me at richard.winspear@rspb.org.uk or leave a message for me on 07711 426046

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THINK BEFORE YOU CLICK

As we are now in the breeding season please be sensible and responsible when using social media to report sightings for sensitve breeding species see here for help and guidance. Remember: the birds must come first.

More specific information for Derbyshires is now avalable here

And if you use Birdtrack here some addional advice is available here

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PLEASE REPORT BREEDING RECORDS

Please add breeding information to any bird records that you submit to DOS or via BirdTrack, such as occupied nests or adults carrying food or fledged young, as this makes the record far more valuable for conservation. A list of species in which we are particularly interested can be found here

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Wildlife Crime

If you witness or suspect wildlife crime then please contact the police (ask for a Wildlife Crime Officer) or RSPB. Your information will be dealt with in confidence but if, for any reason, you are reluctant to take either of those routes then please at least pass the information to Crimestoppers by ringing 0800 555111

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Check out the Carsington Bird Club website

You can let us know what you think or make suggestions for improvements using the feedback form. One or two users have reported issues with the contacts details overlaping the bird news. Please let me know if you have seen this problem, preferably with a screen shot, see here if you do not know how to take a screenshot

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For full details click here

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Birdwatchers are are asked to respect the following restrictions:

• Ambaston GP: Please stay on the public footpath
• Aston-on-Trent GP: This is a private working gravel pit with permit only access during working hours. The site cannot be seen from the A50 pull-in because of the height of trees/bushes. No access should be attempted AT ANY TIME, however, occasional visits organised by the DWT and DWT/DOS – places limited, see Meetings and Trips page
• Church Wilne Reservoir: There is currently no access to even permit holders at this site due to Security and Health and Safety at Work Issues
• Drakelow NR: Please do not walk in front of the main hide
• Foremark Reservoir: No access at any time to the area along the dam wall or the the west side of the reservoir
• High Bridge GP: Access from the A38 and take extreme care when crossing the hump-backed bridge. This is a dangerous working gravel pit and heavy lorries use the site during working hours so best visited in the evening or weekend but be aware work can occur at any time and parking is difficult during the working week. There should be no attempt to gain Access At Any Time. The best pit should only be viewed from the lane
• Willington GP: Please stay on the main tracks, do not use the gravel company roads. Currently The Canal Pit is very difficult to view from the Canal Bank or from the Canal Bridge due to tall vegetation. Signs now on this pit which say “No Access to Birdwatchers”.

Safety first!

Respect landowner's privacy

"The interests of the bird comes first"

Birdwatchers code of Conduct

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